The Auckland FC Sentinel
Squad10 Aug 2026
A falling-out at Auckland FC
Hiroki Sakai and a teammate went at it, and not about football. Training grounds are small places and a long season makes them smaller.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Jake Brimmer signs a new deal
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Jake Brimmer commits to Auckland FC for another 4 years.
Transfer targets10 Aug 2026
Auckland FC rebuffed over Angus Thurgate
Not now, not at any price the club was prepared to say out loud. Western Sydney Wanderers have kept their man, and Auckland FC go back to a list with one name crossed off it.
Market10 Aug 2026
Gavin O'Neill steps up from the Auckland FC academy
There is no fee, no unveiling and no agent on the steps. Gavin O'Neill has been at this club since he was a boy and is now, formally, one of the first-team squad — which for a local readership beats any signing of any size.
Market10 Aug 2026
One of our own: Bailey Thomas joins the Auckland FC first team
Clubs spend fortunes looking for players and occasionally find one down the corridor. Bailey Thomas is that, and the reception he gets on his first appearance will be different in kind from the one any signing receives.
Market10 Aug 2026
One of our own: Matt Smith joins the Auckland FC first team
Clubs spend fortunes looking for players and occasionally find one down the corridor. Matt Smith is that, and the reception he gets on his first appearance will be different in kind from the one any signing receives.
Market10 Aug 2026
Lachlan Riley steps up from the Auckland FC academy
There is no fee, no unveiling and no agent on the steps. Lachlan Riley has been at this club since he was a boy and is now, formally, one of the first-team squad — which for a local readership beats any signing of any size.
The dugout10 Aug 2026
No hiding place for Jake Brimmer
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Jake Brimmer, and the manager let it.
The dugout10 Aug 2026
Nando Pijnaker knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Auckland FC, and both men came out saying it was fine.
In brief
- Squad Sam Cosgrove wants to know why he earns less
- Squad An aura around Lachlan Bayliss
- The dugout The manager comes out for Oliver Middleton